I'm making two trips up to Minnesota this year, summer and late fall. My brother lives in Albany, 20 miles N of St. Cloud. I will be fishing out of a 17 ft. Bass Tracker, so I am mindful of the potential for wind, some lakes being much more prone to heavy water. What can you tell me about the good lakes around Brainerd - any recommendations for lakes that can be manageable on days not too awfully windy. We're looking for smallies, walleyes and northerns. I know there are some tremendous lakes up there but even with GPS I would not want to try Mille Lacs with that shallow draft bassboat. We fished Fishtrap last fall and did ok on that lake. Thanks for the help. Coming down to Indiana to fish (I can't imagine why) put out a call; I'd be pleased to give you the lowdown.

Thanks for the info and welcome respectively! How is Gull for smallies? And are those you listed fairly close as far as being good fisheries or do a couple stand out as best prospects for the bass, eyes, and northerns? Thanks again. This is it; I won't wear out my welcome. LOL I'll just change names and pester you to death later!!

If you want smallies up in the Brainerd area, I would recommend the Mississippi. Especially the stretch from Little Falls to Brainerd. The Mississipi has some of the best smallie action in the country. Used to be a user here called Navigator of Navigator Guide Service out of St. Cloud who pretty much fished just smallies on the Mississippi. Might want to Google him to see if you can find any info. I don't think he posts much during the winter.

As for Gull, it is excellent bucketmouth fishing. I've caught some big fish on that lake. Never really tried it for smallies though. Gull is more noted for Largemouth, Northerns and Walleyes.